Weird solar cycle may have 'supercharged' Typhoon Haiyan

Supertyphoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines on Nov. 8-9, was the most powerful typhoon ever to make landfall. It registered an incredible 8.1 on the 8-point Dvorak Scale used to measure the intensity of tropical storms based on satellite data.

Unlike most typhoons, which weaken when striking land, Haiyan struck the east-central Philippines at near peak strength. Sustained winds were estimated at 195 miles per hour with gusts approaching 235 miles per hour.

The islands of Leyte, Samar, Cebu and Panay were flattened by the high winds, torrential rains and a storm surge reportedly in excess of 16 feet in the Tacloban region.

As of this midweek writing, at least 5,000 people were reported to be dead or missing in the Philippines. At least a half dozen American citizens lost their lives to Supertyphoon Haiyan.

In answering a Press subscriber's question, yes, Ron, the three most powerful supertyphoons ever to make landfall in the recorded history of this planet each slammed headlong into the ravaged Philippines.

1. Supertyphoon Haiyan, Nov. 8, 2013. 5,000 estimated deaths. 195-mile-per-hour sustained winds. An estimated $14 billion in property damage.

2. Supertyphoon Megi, 2010. 71 deaths. 180-mile-per-hour sustained winds. $727 million in property damage.

3. Supertyphoon Zeb, 1998. 99 deaths. $13 billion in property damage.

By the way, Hurricane Katrina in the U.S. in 2005, had 125-mile-per-hour sustained winds. It caused 1,833 deaths and produced at least $147 billion in property damage.

In October 2012, Superstorm Sandy blasted the East Coast of the U.S. causing 234 deaths and $65 billion in property damage.

In answering another Press subscriber's question, no, Bill, I don't believe that global warming played a major role in 'turbocharging' supertyphoon Haiyan. The reality is, in my climatological opinion, that Haiyan would have been a monster storm even without the slightly warmer than normal ocean waters in the far western Pacific.

In answering a third question, no, Syd, I don't believe that scientists experimenting with weather modification projects in the western Pacific, "microwave pulses," caused Haiyan to gain incredible strength before slamming into the Philippines.

What I do believe is that the sun is currently undergoing some very unusual activity. These rather 'strange' happenings, again in my climatological opinion, are causing almost 'APOCALYPTIC STORMS' in the recent weeks across the planet.

We had a record number of tornado deaths this mid November in Illinois. On Tuesday of this week, the Mediterranean Island of Sardinia, suffered through an all-time record torrential rainstorm that killed at least 17 people, downed bridges and swept away cars. The once pristine beaches were turned into 'mud baths.' Hundreds were left homeless.

We should not forget the worst blizzard ever to strike South Dakota last month in early October. More than 72,000 cattle were killed by snowdrifts exceeding ten feet in places. One cattleman lost 96 percent of his entire herd.

Weeks ago, I predicted that we would see several 'meteorological surprises' later this fall and winter, both locally in the U.S. and around the world. It's happening, folks. Blame the SUN, the world's primary 'WEATHER-MAKER.'

Next week in 'Gems,' I'll have more details on the 'strange doings' on the sun.

NORTH IDAHO WEATHER REVIEW AND LONG-RANGE OUTLOOKS

Temperatures early this past week soared into the low to mid 50s melting much of the snow below 3,000 feet in the lowlands. Although the snow didn't last long at the lower elevations, there is still lots of the white stuff remaining at the higher elevations prompting ski resort openings.

49 Degrees North in Chewelah, Wash., opened for skiing this past weekend of Nov. 16-17. As of this Thursday, Nov. 21 writing, Lookout Pass was already opening for business. Schweitzer Mountain Resort was due to open at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. The Sandpoint ski area was looking forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary. The Silver Mountain Resort was still planning on opening Nov. 29, the day after Thanksgiving, snow permitting, of course.

Temperatures plunged early Thursday morning to 15 degrees at both Spokane International Airport and at my station on Player Drive in Coeur d'Alene. Some areas to the north in both Washington and Idaho saw readings as low as 10 degrees, the coldest morning since Jan. 13, when both Spokane and Coeur d'Alene dipped to 13 degrees. My wife Sharon's flowers finally 'bit the dust' after surviving two full months into a unusually mild fall season.

Temperatures will remain quite chilly through the end of November, thanks to a strong, cold ridge of high pressure camped over the Inland Northwest. Our outlook for Thanksgiving Day is for patchy morning fog, partly cloudy skies and afternoon highs in the upper 30s. Travel conditions will be good overall except, perhaps, in the foggy hours of the day.

Longer-term, the six-week period from early December through mid January, thanks to a cool, wet 'La Nada' sea-surface temperature event in the waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, should be snowier and a bit colder than usual. A brilliant WHITE CHRISTMAS is almost a certainty this year. Ski conditions should be GREAT on the nearby slopes. Stay tuned.

Cliff Harris is a climatologist who writes a weekly column for The Press. His opinions are his own. Email sfharris@roadrunner.com